Emotional intelligence: a qualitative study of student nurses' and midwives' theoretical and clinical experience.

Emotional intelligence defined as the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to emotions in oneself and others is valued within nursing and midwifery professions. To explore nursing and midwifery students' understanding and experiences of emotional intelligence in their undergraduate program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with undergraduate nursing and midwifery students. Data were recorded, transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the interviews with seven participants: Emotional intelligence and undergraduate studies, ; Emotional intelligence and the clinical environment, ; and Emotional intelligence and patient care, . The impact of emotions and subsequent behaviours on students' theoretical learning and clinical practice was significant. Students' often felt ill-prepared to portray emotional intelligence, particularly within the clinical environment. This study provided valuable insights into nursing and midwifery students' understanding and experiences of emotional intelligence.